How does atrophy of the brain appear in an MRI w/wo contrast? Does the shrinkage show in black or white? More.?

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Also, does the shrinkage/atrophy show itself by shrinking from the outside inward (like a grape to a raisin), or from the inside outwards (I cant think of an analogy)

Thanks!
The appearance of brain atrophy on an MRI depends on the cause and extent of the atrophy. Atrophy itself is not a disease or condition, but merely a descriptor indicating a reduction in volume. It can be specific to white matter or gray matter or involve both, depending on the reason. It can also be global or restricted to a specific part of the brain, again depending on the reason for the atrophy. If you are untrained and want to see differences, you'll have to have scans from a "normal" brain next to it, and you'll probably have to look at many sections. Even so, the atrophy would have to be substantial, and there are still things you will miss without a neurologist or some other expert instructing you. Another feature of atrophied brains is enlarged ventricles. The ventricles are the "spaces" in the brain that you see on the scans. In fact they're more like a canal or aquaduct system. Cells inside the ventricles are constantly producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the liquid that bathes every cell in the brain and spinal cord. This CSF provides a constant outward pressure on the brain, resulting in enlarged ventricles when some tissue has degenerated. This might be the most readily-detectable feature of brain atrophy for a non-expert.  (+ info)

What other than Alsheimers would cause atrophy of the frontal lobes of the brain?

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These are some I researched and found:
Pick's Disease also known as Frontotemporal Dementia.
Frontal lobe epilepsy
Parkinson's Disease

Click these links for more info:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/picks/picks.htm
http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/epilepsy_frontallobe
http://brain.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/109/5/845  (+ info)

Is there any cure or treatment for optic nerve atrophy?

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I have optic atrophy, not getting worse, but vision is 20/200 in both eyes with glasses. It has made me legally blind and my opthomologist says there is no cure or treatment available, is this true? Is there any alternative or remedy that can help my vision be improved. I also suffer from myopia and I have to wear glasses. What can be done, I had this condition since I was a litlle boy and it has been with me my entire life, what can be done to correct my eyes or improve my vision?
Some eye care professionals recommend exercises to help improve circulation, reduce eye strain, and relax the eye muscles. The Bates method is a common set of exercises. It is possible that by combining exercises with changes in behavior, the progression of myopia may be slowed or prevented. Alternative treatments include: visual therapy (also referred to as vision training or eye exercises); discontinuing close work; reducing eye strain (taking a rest break during periods of prolonged near vision tasks); and wearing bifocals to decrease the need to accommodate when doing close-up work.
The following nutritional supplements may help improve vision:
• Vitamin A: essential vitamin for healthy eyes.
• Bioflavonoids. These plant chemicals can help myopic people see better, especially at night
• Zinc: may improve night vision
• Ginkgo extract: increases blood supply to the eye. It may help prevent deterioration in vision.  (+ info)

In an unfit person, someone with a large gut, will abdominal muscles undergo muscular atrophy?

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When I say unfit. I mean a normal individual who does not excersize and has a gut. Im not referring to people who are bedridden or have other disabilities.
They wouldn't undergo muscular atrophy, as their muscles are being used to hoist all that extra fat around.  (+ info)

If one omit's exercise from their life for upwards of six months, is one prone to muscular atrophy?

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If somebody were to not exercise often (less than twice a week, not even with strenuous workout activity) for about six months and basically sit around for that amount of time, would they suffer from muscles not working correctly, and if so, are they reparable?
First, thank you for a nicely worded, properly punctuated and properly composed question.

However, I'm not sure I know the answer to your question. I don't exercise much, being that I've been indoors all winter with a now six month old daughter, but at the same time, I don't really sit all day, either. I'm not sure of her weight, but I'm frequently lifting her, holding her, etc. I wouldn't be surprised if she were around 15 pounds. Yet, my muscles do seem to work correctly. I still walk wonderfully, I can still use my arms well which is great considering how much I hold my daughter, etc. They're just a little rusty from unuse which I feel from when I do frequently walk. I'm sure my body will tell me that when I can finally get out and start walking again.

I suppose though, it is possible for one's muscles to totally tighten up and be unusable.  (+ info)

What steps might minimize atrophy of the skeletal muscles in patients confined to bed for prolonged times?

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I'd heard recently that NASA is doing a study RE this question. The participants would be confined to bed for 6 weeks. In general, using muscles is key, being out of bed, for instance, and any other physical therapy that is practical. But if this question involves spinal injury as the underlying problem, then no, there is no way to avert muscle atrophy.  (+ info)

Is there a cure for optic nerve atrophy?

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There is a clinic in Russia called the Human Brain Institute that says they can help my vision. I have optic nerve atrophy and I am legally blind because of it. My vision is stable but will never change according to my opthomologist. The Human Brain Institue is located in Russia though and the treatment is for 1 or 2 weels depending on the case. It is only $500 for one week at the clinic though but add the cost of airfare and hotel stay then it could add up and not to mention the fact that the clinic doesn't have any English speaking staff available so one would have to speak Russian or hire an interpreter. Is there any other alternative for curing optic nerve atrophy? Would you trust a doctor in Russia that says they could help improve your vision if you have optic nerve atrophy? And if I did do it and went over there then what about the cost it would take on me if it didn't work. I know it all comes down to choice but is there anything that can be done besides this or should I go?
I would do some research first before you commit yourself to anything. Can you talk to a specialist in your own country before going abroad? I wouldn't go until you know more about the clinic andmore about the other optins available to you.  (+ info)

What general strategies create muscular definition without atrophy?

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I have a strong, mesomorphic build, little spending money, and favor lower GI foods.
lift weights or try yoga  (+ info)

Does Posterior Cortical Atrophy progress into general dementia?

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I understand PCA to be a disease of the posterior cortex, but does it spread? Will a patient possibly, likely, usually or inevitably develop general dementia reducing overall mental capacities?
Posterior cortical atrophy is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to a dementing syndrome involving distinct neuropsychological deficits of higher visuospatial functions. Although most patients are seen initially with neurological complaints, in some cases, secondary manifestations, such as affective symptoms, might appear in the foreground.  (+ info)

What does muscle wasting(atrophy) feel like? Does it hurt and what does it look like?

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Does the muscle start separating from the bone? What can be done about it?
No it doesn't hurt....but you can notice it.
A simple example would be someone who gets a cast on their leg for an extended period of time. When the cast comes off, you can physically see the shrinkage in the muscle mass on that leg compared to the other leg. The leg has been immobilized for an extended period of time and the muscle NOT used while in the cast. If you don't use a muscle, it atrophies (dies/shrinks). In severe cases, as those who are elderly/in nursing homes and have no muscle mass left anyway, yes, the muscle can begin to separate from the bone when atrophying.  (+ info)

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